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TE David Njoku, CLE (1 Viewer)

jtd13 said:
Anyone know what Njoku's 5th year option costs the Browns? I imagine pretty cheap. 

Sigh, looks like another roster clogger TE. Would love a trade to AZ or Washington, but they sound intent on keeping Njoku. 
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$5.4 mil

I was worried after the Bryant pick they may not opt-in, but I'm happy those concerns were unfounded. Baker's statistically at his best in 12 and Stefanski has made it very clear by both his words and actions he intends to use a lot of tight ends.

 
Browns OC Alex Van Pelt said TE David Njoku has been "great" during offseason meetings.

For what it's worth, Van Pelt also hyped Odell Beckham ("He's all in") and Baker Mayfield ("He's done everything") during his Zoom conference Wednesday. Njoku suddenly finds himself surrounded by competition following the offseason acquisitions of Austin Hooper and fourth-rounder Harrison Bryant, but the team did confidently exercise his fifth-year option ahead of the 2021 season. Even so, odds are the 23-year-old finds himself on the outside looking in with two years left on his contract. He won't be viable for fantasy purposes unless leaned on in goal line packages.

SOURCE: Scott Petrak on Twitter

Jun 3, 2020, 3:30 PM ET
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Browns TE David Njoku has requested a trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Njoku's agent Drew Rosenhaus is also involved, saying "it is in David's best interest to find a new team at this time," despite the Browns wanting to keep him. Njoku's future was always in question after the Browns signed Austin Hooper to a four-year contract with $23 million guaranteed. Kevin Stefanski does have a history of using a high rate of two tight end sets, as the Vikings used 12 personnel on 34 percent of their snaps last season, the second highest mark in the league. Njoku, the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, played just four games last season due to injury and has totaled 96 receptions for 1,066 yards and nine touchdowns in 36 career contests. It frequently takes tight ends, even those selected in the first-round, time to make an impact in the NFL, as many hit their stride on their second team or second contract. Njoku might be next on that list. The Browns do have some insurance at the position after spending a fourth-round selection on TE Harrison Bryant.

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Jul 3, 2020, 2:31 PM ET
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Carolina should find a way to make a deal here.

Hard to get excited about Bryant as a rookie backing up Hooper on that offense. Even if they run a lot of 12 personnel

 
Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports the Cowboys "might have some interest" in Browns TE David Njoku.

Not exactly the strongest quote we've seen, but it's notable given the fantasy ramifications a potential Njoku trade could have. Even with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski bringing over a two-tight end base set, Njoku and his new agent Drew Rosenhaus believe he's best outside of Cleveland for what will be his final season on his rookie contract. Depending on his landing spot, Njoku could be a low-end TE2 in fantasy drafts. Dallas, however, wouldn't be the most ideal landing spot as they've just given emerging tight end Blake Jarwin a four-year, $22 million contract. He'd likely be competing for snaps on the Cowboys.

RELATED: 

Dallas Cowboys

SOURCE: Cleveland.com

Jul 3, 2020, 4:39 PM ET
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Sports Illustrated's Mike Fisher reports the Cowboys do not want to trade for Browns TE David Njoku.

This conflicts with Cleveland.com's report that Dallas "might have some interest" in Njoku, who asked for a trade on Friday. The Cowboys simply have too many weapons on offense and too many cap-related questions to try and work a trade for a tight end who eventually will need a new contract. The Browns have a spot in their starting lineup for Njoku, but he likely wants a chance to reach 60+ targets. That won't happen in Cleveland with Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt demanding most looks. Njoku likely wouldn't fetch anything more than a Day 3 pick if a deal went down.

RELATED: 

Dallas Cowboys

SOURCE: SI.com

Jul 3, 2020, 8:03 PM ET
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questionable work ethic, hands of stone, weak blocker...  but someone will trade for this guy cause he’s athletic and he’s on a rookie contract.  

 
Last year Rosenhaus was hired by Duke Johnson who demanded to be traded.  

GM John Dorsey got a 3rd round pick, the highest draft pick for a non-starting RB in modern history.  Second highest draft pick for a  RB in modern times outside of the Trent Richardson deal that went for a 1st round pick.

Njoku hires him last week and demands a trade this week.  His agent is leaking BS interest.  He's got no leverage.

Not happening Drew unless you find a trade providing a starter at an area of need who is young and in their prime. 

 
NFL reporter Josina Anderson reports David Njoku remains a "big part" of the Browns' plans for 2020.

But Anderson does note Njoku has long "wanted out" of Cleveland. The former 29th overall pick in the 2017 draft took a major year-two leap in 2018 to post a 56-639-4 line, but he ended up breaking his thumb last Week 1, missed 12 games, and was targeted just 10 times across four appearances en route to a pitiful 5-41-1 season. He was also benched at times. A true freak athlete -- in a good way -- Njoku has all the potential in the world at 6'4/246. The Browns have already signaled Njoku isn't in their long-term plans with the signing of Austin Hooper and draft selection of Harrison Bryant. Everyone should be rooting for Njoku to be dealt.

SOURCE: Josina Anderson on Twitter

Jul 6, 2020, 10:51 AM ET
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Browns TE David Njoku has committed to staying in Cleveland after requesting a trade in early July. 

Njoku's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the tight end had “some good meetings with the new Browns’ organization including GM Andrew Berry and he has decided to give the team his full commitment right now and go from there." Njoku posted on Twitter that he's "all in" for the Browns in 2020. The Browns signed TE Austin Hooper to a four-year deal in the offseason, and Njoku requested a trade in July. The 2017 first round pick probably won't have fantasy relevance this season unless Hooper goes down. 

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter 

Aug 1, 2020, 4:47 PM ET
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Browns TE David Njoku is sidelined with a wrist injury.

Njoku missed 10 games with a wrist fracture last year. He was getting outplayed by fourth-round TE Harrison Bryant at Browns camp before going down. Njoku’s $1.8 million salary likely locks in his roster spot, but he’s not guaranteed a Week 1 role.

RELATED: 

Harrison Bryant

SOURCE: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Aug 23, 2020, 11:24 AM ET
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Would love to cut bait and free some roster space but he's still so young. Hoping he puts it together this year. 

 
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David Njoku caught 3-of-3 targets for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' Week 1 loss to the Ravens.

Njoku missed 10 games with a wrist fracture last year and then the Browns signed Austin Hooper to a four-year, $44 million deal. They also drafted Harrison Bryant in the fourth round of the draft. His time in Cleveland appeared to be over after he requested a trade this summer but the Browns patched things up with him in meetings. He scored on a busted coverage but was on the field for goal line snaps. Njoku isn't a starting fantasy tight end just yet but is someone to monitor going forward. He left the game in the third-quarter with a knee injury so his Week 2 status is currently unkown.

- Rotoworld
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Browns placed TE David Njoku (knee) on injured reserve.

Njoku worked behind rookie TE Harrison Bryant while available but still spiked 3/50/1 before leaving the game. Kevin Stefanski's Browns ran the second-highest rate of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) in Week 1, leaving amply opportunity for Bryant to step in for Njoku as a deep league stash for the next three games. It's unclear if Njoku will be ready to go when available to be activated in Week 5.

RELATED: 

Harrison Bryant

SOURCE: Cleveland Browns on Twitter

Sep 14, 2020, 2:24 PM ET
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Browns TE David Njoku (knee) is expected to play in Week 5 against the Colts. 

It's hard to say what kind of role Njoku will have upon his return to the Browns' lineup. Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant played almost all the snaps while Njoku was out, with Bryant shining when he got the chance. Njoku caught 3-of-3 targets for 50 yards and a touchdown in the team's season opener, however, so there's a chance he picks up where he left off: as part of a tight end rotation in a low-volume passing offense. 

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter 

Oct 9, 2020, 4:27 PM ET
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Browns activated TE David Njoku (knee) from injured reserve.

This was expected after Njoku practiced fully all week. Njoku has been out since Week 1 with a sprained MCL. He’ll mix in as the No. 3 tight end behind Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant.

SOURCE: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Oct 10, 2020, 10:11 AM ET
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Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports Browns TE David Njoku is still looking to be traded before the November 3 deadline.

Njoku initially asked to be dealt on July 3, rescinded that request prior to camp, and has since changed his tune again in looking for a new home prior to the November 3 trade deadline. The Browns have yet to show any interest in trading the 24-year-old but, as Cabot notes, that could change with "an offer they can't refuse." Njoku has been linked to the Patriots as a potential destination dating back to August.

RELATED: 

New England Patriots

SOURCE: Cleveland.com

Oct 19, 2020, 4:31 PM ET
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David Njoku (knee) is questionable for Week 15 against the Giants.

Njoku wasn't available at Friday's practice but coach Kevin Stefanski said he still expects the former to suit up. With Austin Hooper (neck) also expected to play, Njoku can be forgotten about in fantasy leagues even if he is active Sunday night.

SOURCE: Andrew Gribble on Twitter

Dec 18, 2020, 2:03 PM ET
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Week 15 Dynasty Risers and Fallers: Eagles' Jalen Hurts is the real deal

Excerpt:

RISER: TE DAVID NJOKU, CLEVELAND BROWNS

Njoku hardly holds any value in leagues that don’t prop up tight ends, but he did record his highest snap -total and snap share of the season last week with Austin Hooper out. He earned four targets and ran 30 routes, only three fewer than rookie Harrison Bryant. Tight end is a position that requires an infamous length of time for players to break out, and Njoku was once an exciting first-round prospect.

https://twitter.com/pff/status/872507623169458176?s=21

After requesting a trade this season, he’ll certainly land somewhere other than Cleveland in free agency. He’s worth throwing into trades as a small piece who could produce in the right spot next year.
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Last edited by a moderator:
(thehuddle) Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku is a candidate to be released or traded this offseason as heads into the non-guaranteed fifth option year of his rookie contract, and Saturday, Feb. 27, he tweeted what sounds like a goodbye to Browns fans. 'Whatever happens I appreciate all the love from all my loyal fans,' Njoku wrote. 'I've kept quiet for a while but I wanted to express that at least for now. I love u guys.'

Analysis: Njoku caught only 19 passes for 213 yards in 13 regular-season games a year after missing all but four games with a wrist injury in 2019, and it sure seems like he will be playing elsewhere with the salary cap dipping and the Browns set elsewhere at tight end.

 
ESPN's Jeremey Fowler reports TE David Njoku is "in a good place" with the Browns. 

Njoku requested a trade from Cleveland last year after the team signed Austin Hooper in free agency. The former first round pick is likely to once again play behind Hooper in 2021. Second-year TE Harrison Bryant split pass catching duties with Njoku last season when Hooper was sidelined after an appendectomy. Entering his age-25 season, Njoku won't have fantasy relevance unless the Browns suffer a rash of tight end injuries. 

RELATED: 

Austin Hooper

, Harrison Bryant

SOURCE: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter 
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85 looking good

You can see the natural athleticism, very smooth.  None of the other Browns TEs look like this.  Austin Hooper get separation with vet-savvy route running.

If you look at this vid Njoku beats coverage with sheer athletic talent.  Basically when he's covered, he ain't.  He will has been a GL weapon but I think he blows up in that capacity this year.  

 
Is David Njoku a top-10 tight end? Will Greg Newsome II start? What we learned from Browns-Giants joint practice: Ellis L. Williams

Excerpt:

David Njoku made a statement

Two years ago when I moved to Cleveland to cover the Browns, all I knew about the Browns 2017 first-round pick was that he struggled catching the ball. At least that was the national narrative on him. Once here, I learned that’s how most of Ohio felt too.

The Njoku I saw Thursday showcased top-10 hands. His A1 athletism remains. Combine the two and it explains are rep like the one below.

https://twitter.com/bookofellis/status/1428513458635644938?s=21

Njoku lined up for a one-on-one battle against 2020 first-round pick Xavier McKinney. Watch his speed release. He fires by McKinney, working inside his left shoulder. At eight yards Njoku slightly head nods inside only to explode outside and stack McKinney.

However, the former Alabama safety stays on his hip. Then he does an excellent job tracking the ball. Notice McKinney’s helmet find it. Standing 6 feet tall, he extends his right arm up and through Njoku’s catch point.

Didn’t matter. Njoku won the ball and the day. It’s a remarkable rep. Two top-level athletes at their respective positions battling for a high ball 20 yards downfield. And the Browns won. Let’s break down two more Njoku plays. It’s worth it.

https://twitter.com/bookofellis/status/1428512565534015495?s=21

Njoku improved as a route runner. His hesitation release screams “I was working out with receivers all summer in Miami.” It shows. Njoku shakes Jabrill Peppers’ hands off and stacks him 10-yards deep. Then it’s time to find the ball. At the four-second mark, both Peppers and Njoku’s heads reach back. Both find it. but Njoku wins. Then he separates and reaches for the pylon. Touchdown.

https://twitter.com/bookofellis/status/1428510724112986113?s=21

Last one. Above, Njoku wins on a quick-twitch choice route. It’s a little unfair to break inside during a one-on-one drill but it still looks nice.

I’m confident Njoku is the Browns most talented tight end. If he plays in 17 games then expect at least eight touchdowns. My colleague Mary Kay Cabot has been saying this since May. She’s right.
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The Browns have three good tight ends to be honest.

Their entire roster is an embarrassment of riches. As good of an O-line, RB room and Edge rusher group as you'll find in the league. The 3rd CB and 3rd S would start for 25 teams. Baker in the second half of last year, when Stefanski had him rolling out and bootlegging more - where he doesn't have to peer through 6'5" lineman - he was really cooking. Healthy OBJ and good depth at WR.

Honestly I don't see them featuring Njoku. 8 TDs? He's scored 7 in the last 3 years combined and has a career high of 4. He is a superb athlete, there's never been any question about that. But they'll be spreading it around and have the best RB in the game running behind the best offensive line. 

They should score 50+ TDs and be battling for home field advantage. Absolutely a model franchise right now when it comes to roster construction.

 
Didn't watch the game but sounds like actually led the team in targets? He's sitting on both my dynasty wires. 

Are we saying there's a chance?

 
tombonneau said:
Didn't watch the game but sounds like actually led the team in targets? He's sitting on both my dynasty wires. 

Are we saying there's a chance?
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He looked great but OBJ was a late scratch forcing rookie WR Schwartz into a 'bigger' role as a deep threat than anyone expected.  Higgins and camp sensation DPJ saw hardly any action.  Njoku is thee TE deep threat.  I also like him as a GL threat.  

Yeah, he's got a legit chance with a tapered ceiling since the Browns do have 3 good TEs and a ton of receiving weapons and a top-notch rushing attack and a defense that 'probably' faced its best opponent so they will not force the offense to push the pedal down all game as they did against the Chiefs.   

I would expect a few big games and others where he gets lost in the shuffle but overall I think he'll have his 'best' season. 

 
Bracie Smathers said:
He looked great but OBJ was a late scratch forcing rookie WR Schwartz into a 'bigger' role as a deep threat than anyone expected.  Higgins and camp sensation DPJ saw hardly any action.  Njoku is thee TE deep threat.  I also like him as a GL threat.  

Yeah, he's got a legit chance with a tapered ceiling since the Browns do have 3 good TEs and a ton of receiving weapons and a top-notch rushing attack and a defense that 'probably' faced its best opponent so they will not force the offense to push the pedal down all game as they did against the Chiefs.   

I would expect a few big games and others where he gets lost in the shuffle but overall I think he'll have his 'best' season. 
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Is this his final contract year? I know he was a fairly young unpolished prospect so it's not too alarming if it takes him this long  to get it together. Might have some nice value on his next team if he can play himself into a decent contract.

 
tombonneau said:
Is this his final contract year? I know he was a fairly young unpolished prospect so it's not too alarming if it takes him this long  to get it together. Might have some nice value on his next team if he can play himself into a decent contract.
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He complained last year about wanting to move-on but he wants to stay and if he plays well this year they will 'likely' re-sign him.  Hooper signed the largest contract for a TE last year and his production hasn't kept up with what he's being paid so that bears monitoring since Baker Mayfield has yet to sign an extension and that big contract looms since its going to happen.  

I think Njoku stays, he's comfortable, has a great role and should get an extension so long as he stays healthy which has been an issue.

 
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